Savannah ex-convict embraces second chance

Johnson uses a radial tool to polish the molding of a pewter countertop at Bastille Metal Works. “You’ve got guys that want to get it together, but you just need that opportunity,” Johnson said of the Chatham Apprentice Program.

The program has trained and assisted more than 400 adults, men and women — many of whom needed a second chance, since it began in 2006, said Suzanne Donovan, communications director.

Johnson was accepted into the 26-week program, which included six weeks of work ethics and life skills training.

During his time in the program, Johnson displayed a determination to succeed that was not always evident among other participants, Sinclair said. It was common for participants to say they wanted to change, but then slip back into bad habits, Sinclair said.

“Maurice didn’t go down that route,” she said.

Christopher Plummer, co-owner of Bastille Metal Works, noticed Johnson’s enthusiasm when the local business owner was giving a talk at the apprentice program’s graduation ceremony.

“Maurice expressed a lot of interest and curiosity,” Plummer said. “I told him to come in the next day and I hired him.”

Johnson had no experience in the metal-working trade, but Plummer said he was more interested in hiring someone with drive and a willingness to learn. Johnson demonstrated both, he said.

“His past pushes him to work harder,” he said.

Not only were more complicated tasks such as welding a mystery to him, Johnson said he also had to learn basic skills such as measuring when he started the job. He said he learned quickly and can now measure and weld, in addition to cast and cut.

“For me, I was eager,” he said. “It was something different.”

The job now takes Johnson all over the country, as well as to local homes and businesses, to install custom-cast zinc and pewter counters, bar tops, range hoods and furnishings. He recently returned from New Jersey, where he spent a week helping install a bar for a new restaurant.

Johnson now refers others to the apprentice program.

“You’ve got guys that want to get it together, but you just need that opportunity,” he said.

ABOUT THE CHATHAM APPRENTICE PROGRAM

The Chatham Apprentice Program is a collaboration of Chatham County government, Step Up Savannah and community-based organizations that assists individuals in developing skills to secure employment.

Individuals recruited to enter the program are adults living at or below the poverty level. They may have limited or no work experience or basic skills training. Barriers such as criminal records may have kept them from self-supporting jobs.

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In 26 weeks , you didn't even bother to teach him to read a measuring tape !!!! 6 weeks of learning how to act on a jobsite and 20 weeks of what ???? Just like Chris Brown of Step up Savannah said on a Chatham county job site " we dont really teach um how to do anything , most of them have already worked before !!!!! In 26 weeks i could have taught him or anybody else how to read plans and read a measuring tape ! a skill needed by every person stepping on a jobsite !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The man was "17" when he went to prison. I am over 60 years old and I applaud him for wanting to be a better "MAN". Give him a break, he has turned his life around. Would you rather him get out of prison and rob again and again and again. The man wanted to do better and he is "dang". So he couldn't read a measuring tape, who said that he was using a "measuring tape" even so now he can.... Ok!! Who said that in 26 weeks they didn't teach the man to read one? I have heard Great things about Reverend Tillman and the First African Baptist church family. They do God's work as we all should do. I don't "condemn" nor do i "judge" anybody, that is the job of the Lord and we will not be there when anyone comes before him. Congrats Maurice, keep your head up and continue to move forward in your life. Always remember that you will receive many "oppositions" but ignore them they live their lives complaining about "everything".You received another chance and took it running. Good Luck!